The demand for a referendum on a separate state of Biafra is a constitutional impossibility, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has said.
Obono-obla was reacting to the call for a referendum by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). In an interview with Sun Newspaper, the Presidency described such calls as a waste of time and also stated that even restructuring would not solve the myriad of problems confronting the nation.
“The demand for a referendum with regards to Biafra is a constitutional impossibility. It is a legal and political impossibility. There is no provision in the constitution of the country or any other law that provides for a part of the country to break away.
It is a nonsensical demand. Biafra ended on the January 15, 1970. I think the agitators are just expressing their rights to freedom of expression,” he said.
When reminded that even though it is not in the country’s constitution, the issue of referendum has become an international legal instrument for self-determination groups to realise their dream, Obono-obla said “The international law does not take precedence over the Nigerian constitution. If you want to ratify any treaty or international convention, the National Assembly has to approve it. You cannot begin to use the international law to deal with municipal, local and national issues.
Let them stop wasting their time. There is nothing like that. The agitators are just wasting their time and that is why I am saying that they are just expressing their right to the freedom of expression.”
The demand for a referendum on a separate state of Biafra is a constitutional impossibility, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhar...
You can head off a lot of your most common beauty concerns simply by downing the right foods. That’s right—eating well not only does wonders for your waistline and bolsters your immune system but can also provide some very real get-gorg benefits, such as smoothing wrinkles, giving hair a glossy shine and strengthening flimsy nails.
“Your diet directly affects your day-to-day appearance and plays a significant role in how well you age,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
The smart approach, Zeichner said, is to create a plan that includes what he calls “the building blocks of healthy skin and hair”—nutrients, minerals and fatty acids—as well as antioxidants to protect your body from damaging environmental stresses.
Get ready to nab some beauty-boosting perks by tossing these essential face-saving edibles into your grocery cart.
Coffee
Grabbing some java every morning doesn’t just jump-start your day—that cup of joe has bioactive compounds that may help protect your skin from melanoma (the fifth most common cancer in the U.S.), according to a recent report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers found that the more coffee people downed, the less likely they were to get the disease: Those drinking four cups daily had a 20 percent lower risk of developing malignant melanoma over a 10-year period than non-coffee drinkers.
Watermelon
The summertime fave is loaded with lycopene.
“This antioxidant compound gives watermelon and tomatoes their red color—and helps skin stave off UV damage,” said nutrition pro Keri Glassman, RD, founder of NutritiousLife.com.
Researchers believe that the melon contains as much as 40 percent more of the phytochemical than raw tomatoes; that’s the equivalent of an SPF 3, so use it to bolster (not replace) your daily dose of sunscreen.
Pomegranates
The seeds of this wonder fruit are bursting with antioxidants, like vitamin C, that prevent fine lines, wrinkles and dryness by neutralizing the free radicals that weather skin. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher vitamin C intake lessened the likelihood of dryness and wrinkles in middle-aged women. Also in the fruit’s arsenal: anthocyanins (which help increase collagen production, giving skin a firmer look) and ellagic acid (a natural chemical that reduces inflammation caused by UV damage).
Blueberries
Boost radiance by popping some of these plump little beauties. Blueberries supply vitamins C and E (two antioxidants that work in tandem to brighten skin, even out tone and fight off free-radical damage), as well as arubtin, “a natural derivative of the skin lightener hydroquinone,” Zeichner said.
Lobster
High in zinc, shellfish has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat a range of skin annoyances, acne included.
“Zinc accelerates the renewal of skin cells,” said Dr. Whitney Bowe, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “That’s why you find the nutrient in many acne medications.”
In fact, research shows that people with acne have lower levels of zinc than people with clear skin.
Kale
On the long list of this leafy green’s nutrients are vitamin K (it promotes healthy blood clotting, so the blood vessels around the eyes don’t leak and cause Walking Dead-like shadows) and loads of iron.
“Insufficient levels of iron in your diet can cause your skin to look pale, making it easier to spot blood vessels under the skin,” explained Dr. Howard Murad, associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA. To max out the benefits, eat the veggie cooked, not raw.
Eggs
Your fingernails (toenails, too) are made of protein, so a deficiency can turn those talons soft. Keep yours thick and mani-pedi-ready by cracking smart: “Eggs are a good source of biotin, a B complex vitamin that metabolizes amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein,” said Dr. Frank Lipman, director of Eleven-Eleven Wellness Center in New York City.
Walnuts
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated) and vitamin E (which helps repair damaged follicles) are two secrets behind strong, lustrous strands—and these nuts are full of both, Lipman said. All you need is 1/4 cup a day. What’s more, walnuts are packed with copper, which will help keep your natural color rich: Studies show that being deficient in the mineral may be a factor in going prematurely gray.
Avocado
Like you need another reason to love them: These rich fruits are high in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that helps skin retain moisture in the outer layer to keep it soft, plump and supple, Bowe said.
Cantaloupe
The sweet melon contains beta carotene, or vitamin A, which is believed to regulate the growth of skin cells on your scalp and sebum in the skin’s outer layer, Zeichner said. This keeps pores from getting clogged and causing flakes
Source: Foxnews
You can head off a lot of your most common beauty concerns simply by downing the right foods. That’s right—eating well not only does wonde...
If you’re type 2 diabetic, you may be wondering why your blood sugar is so high in the morning.
Every other time you test, your levels seem to be within range.
But those morning levels, sometimes they are sky high and it puts you in a panic, questioning what on earth you may be doing wrong.
Firstly, stop panicking — morning rises are a common occurrence in diabetics. However, it is important to understand why it happens and what you can do about it…
The dawn phenomenon
Logically you’d think that your blood sugar reading should be at it’s lowest in the morning. After all, you’ve eaten nothing and done nothing but sleep. But regardless of whether you eat, glucose production continues anyway…
The reason for this is your body’s cells need fuel for your heart to beat, your brain to work and your organs to keep functioning. When you don’t eat, or when you’re asleep, the body can break down stores of available glucose (glycogenolysis) or enter a process called gluconeogenesis — a process that can use non-carbohydrate stores such as amino acids to produce glucose.
Various hormones such as glucagon, growth hormone and cortisol, are also involved in raising glucose levels. To wake you up every morning, your body naturally activates these hormones from around 3 am onwards, which explains why it’s called the dawn phenomenon.
In people without diabetes, insulin would normally counteract these hormones to prevent excessive glucose production. But since the insulin response and insulin sensitivity are altered in diabetes, your body may not compensate effectively.
The Somogyi effect
There is another phenomenon called the “Somogyi effect” or “rebound hyperglycemia.” This is when your body’s glucose levels decrease during the night (nocturnal hypoglycemia), which activates your emergency system, sending messages to your hormones and organs to stimulate glucose production.
This can result in quite dramatic increases to blood sugar levels and morning readings. The Somogyi effect is more common in those who are insulin dependent.
How to lower morning levels
Gaining tight control over your daily blood sugar levels by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, stressing less and getting good quality sleep, will all help control your morning readings.
But there is one simple trick that may help even more… especially with the dawn phenomenon.
In patients with non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, researchers managed to reduce morning glucose levels by 4 to 6 percent. That means if your morning glucose is around 130 mg/dl, it would decrease to about 122 mg/dl.
What did they do?
Before bed, they gave patients two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water, along with one ounce of cheese, which is just one slice of cheese.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is what researchers believe causes most of the effect. Other studies have shown that acetic acid reduces post meal glucose levels and A1c, along with improving insulin sensitivity and the insulin response.
Give this simple bedtime trick a try yourself. It’s easy to do and you never know… tomorrow you might wake up with lower morning levels, too.
Source: Easyhealthoptions
If you’re type 2 diabetic, you may be wondering why your blood sugar is so high in the morning. Every other time you test, your levels...
If you inhabit a woman’s body, you’re likely aware of how complex and multi-faceted it can be. No woman’s body is identical to another’s; we can be fat or thin, trans or cis, tall or short, abled or disabled. Some of us opt to get pregnant, give birth, and nurse, while others of us opt out of motherhood altogether. There’s no shortage of diversity among us.
In spite of all of or variances, there are a few common facts about our own bodies that aren’t aware of. So, I spoke to a variety of experts, and here is a list of things a lot of women don’t know about our own bodies.
The sun’s not your friend
A lot of women look forward to summer, when we can shed our long sleeves and boots in favor of sundresses and sandals. In many places it’s also beach season, so it’s the perfect time to relax on the sand with a book and a beverage. But all of that sun exposure can be bad for you skin — maybe even worse than you think. For one, it can age you. Dr. Kathy Taghipour, a dermatologist at Savana Urban Spa, told me, “Around 80% of women’s wrinkles are caused by excessive sun exposure. Many people don’t even think about the sun and the damage that it does on our skin.” And it can be a lot more harmful than superficial aging. She continued, “When you get a sunburn, it’s not your skin cells being damaged by the sun or dying. it’s your skin cells’ DNA being damaged and killing themselves so they don’t turn into cancer.” That’s downright scary when you think about it!
The best ways to prevent premature ageing and sunburns are to always wear sunscreen when you go outdoors, limit your direct sun exposure, check your local UV index, and wear protective clothing. So you can still enjoy those lazy days at the beach, as long as you take the right precautions.
You skin dehydrates easily
For many women, hot baths and showers are an essential part of their self-care regimen — just check out the huge market for bath bombs and products. It makes sense given how relaxing and calming it is to soak sore muscles, enjoy solitude, and restore emotional calm. But like all good things, it’s possible to indulge too much and end up dealing with some consequences.
For one, all of that soaking can be bad for your skin. Dr. Taghipour told me, “Taking long, hot showers is actually bad for your skin — hot water softens the oils in your skin so that they are easily washed away, thus making it easier for your skin to dry out or become itchy.” That’s certainly not what we want after bathing.
And you can have dry skin without even knowing it. Dr. Sonam Yadav, the Medical Director of Juverne, told me, “Most women with oily skin do not know that their skin can be severely dehydrated even while resembling an oil rig — and that over-cleansing or not hydrating can actually worsen this problem and cause rebound acne.” So how do you make sure you don’t overdo it? Limit the amount of time you spend in hot water, for one, and check in with your dermatologist; she may have advice as to which soaps and products are best for your unique skin.
We need specific nutrients
No two women have identical nutritional needs, but we do have many in common. Dr. Arielle Levitan, co-author of The Vitamin Solution: Two Doctors Clear the Confusion about Vitamins and Your Health and co-founder of Vous Vitamin, told me, “Most women don’t know that they are in need of certain nutrients. Vitamin D, for example is a vitamin that is found mainly in sunlight and not in many food sources in significant amounts. Most of us are deficient in it if we are not taking it.” That’s why even though we previously told you to limit your sun exposure, it’s just as important to make sure you get direct sunlight in safe quantities (confusing, we know!). If you’re unsure if you’re getting enough vitamin D, check with your doctor to see if she recommends a supplement.
Another common issue women face is an iron deficiency. Dr. Levitan noted that, “Most women also do not realize they are deficient in iron. They have lost iron through years of period and/or pregnancies and rarely consume enough red meat to make up for it, so total body iron stores are low. These deficiencies, among others, can lead to subtle symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, thinning hair, migraines and muscle aches.” So if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s possible you’re not getting enough iron in your diet. Look into foods that are iron-rich, and consider adding them to your diet.
Finally, it can be beneficial to take a multi-vitamin tailored for women, as well as a calcium supplement for healthy bones.
We’re prone to anxiety
Did you know women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder? It sounds like a high number, but it’s true — and there are scientific reasons why. Kimberly Hershenson, an NYC-based therapist, told me, “Women are more likely to feel anxiety because they have naturally higher levels of progesterone, cortisol and estradiol. This is why women are more intuitive regarding predicting threats and dangers.” And for many women, these disorders can cause disruptions in our day-to-day lives, creating additional problems on top of what worries us initially.
So what are some best practices to deal with this anxiety? Hershenson has some recommendations. “Make a daily gratitude list before bed by writing down ten things you are grateful for.” She also recommends that you start a meditation practice, even if it’s only for five minutes a day. And finally, “Practice acceptance. Make a list of what you can control in the situation causing you anxiety (your reaction) and what you can’t control (others’ behavior).” And if these are not enough, check in with your doctor or medical professional. You’re not alone!
About the cli**ris
Not all women have vaginas and vulvas, but for the many of us that do, there are a few things we don’t know about our own private parts; unless you’ve studied human anatomy or had thorough s*x education, there are some surprising facts to learn. Dr. Laurel Steinberg, a NYC-based s*x and relationship therapist and professor of psychology at Columbia University, told me, “Women don’t know that the cli**ris is not just the size of a pencil eraser. The external part is just the tip of a large organ that reaches deep down into their pelvic region, with ‘legs’ that surround the vaginal canal.” So in reality, what we can visually identify as the cli**ris is really only the tip. Additionally, “The cli**ris keeps on growing your whole life, just like your earlobes do,” noted Cath Hakanson, a s*x educator and founder of s*x Ed Rescue.
And there’s more. Have you ever heard of the G-spot? Well, it might not be exactly what you think it is. Steinberg continued, “There is no real ‘G-spot’ — this area that feels great inside the v**ina is the part of the v**ina that touches the back of the cli**ris.” Furthermore, Hakanson told me that “most women don’t climax with vaginal intercourse” alone. So if you’ve ever had an climax, you can tip your hat to the cli**ris, providing pleasure both inside and outside of your v**ina.
About menstruation
Just as not all women have vulvas, not all women menstruate — either because they’ve gone through menopause, they’re transgender, they’re on certain kinds of birth control, or because of other reasons. Most women, however, have had a period at some point in their lives, but just because we experience it, doesn’t mean we have all of the facts right. Noni Ayana, a s*x educator and principal consultant of E.R.I.S. Consulting frequently has to address this with clients. “I’ve had to explain that menstruation is not necessarily a ‘cleansing’ as some would think is, similar to a sort of detox, and that the menstrual cycle is not exclusive to the time your period begins and ends; it is a 28 day (or so) process,” she told me. Women can easily forget that it’s a cycle, and not just a matter of bleeding and not bleeding.
Also, Ayana notes that it can be surprising when you learn how much your reproductive process has an impact on your body. She continued, “Women are often shocked when I describe how the female body is continuously and systematically preparing for a potential pregnancy.” It’s pretty crazy when you think about it.
Vaginas aren’t unclean
Historically, women around the world have been taught that their bodies are unclean — during menstruation especially. And while many societies have become more educated about basic biology, it’s tough to shake off thousands of years of stigma no matter where you live, and the U.S. is no different.
So it’s no surprise that many women still believe that their vaginas are unclean. Noni Ayana told me, “Many women refuse to believe the v**ina cleanses itself. When educating women, medical professionals often use the ‘self-cleaning oven’ analogy.” So even though it’s completely untrue that vaginas are somehow dirty, that fact alone is not enough to deter women from taking unnecessary steps in the name of hygiene. Ayana continued, “Women regularly use retail feminine hygiene products with the intention of cleaning their v**ina, which is often socially viewed as inherently dirty. Unless there are possible signs of infection, allow the body to do what it’s designed to do.”
And if you douche? One study showed that you’re twice as likely to get ovarian cancer. It’s just not worth the risk.
We’re stronger than we think
Women are often stereotyped to be fragile and delicate, unable to open jars on our own or change a tire. However, the myth of the weak woman is just that — a myth — and more and more women are cultivating active, healthy, and strong lifestyles. Sofia Sanchez, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist told me, “Women are physically stronger than they think. In my line of work, I’ve seen athletes lift 200, 300 pounds — heavier weight than some men! I think the landscape is really changing here and society is embracing women’s health and strength over appearance, and that’s great!”
And even if you do work out, no amount of strength training is going to make you “bulk up” or look more masculine. Rather, it will help you become more toned and tightened. Plus, it’s just good for you, as long as you’re doing it correctly. And if you don’t lift, you should start as it helps you retain muscle as you age, supports your joints, lowers anxiety, improves your mood, and more. So give it a shot — chances are you’re stronger than you think.
Know yourself
While it certainly isn’t easy being a woman, it’s always an adventure. We’re constantly changing and the best response is to continually develop rather than stagnate, mired in bad habits. And we learn more and more about ourselves every day, be it about our bodies, minds, or one another. So take everything that you have cumulatively learned and make sure that you’re taking care of yourself as best you can. You’ve only get one body, after all!
Source: Thelist
If you inhabit a woman’s body, you’re likely aware of how complex and multi-faceted it can be. No woman’s body is identical to another’s; ...
Toyin Dawodu, a Nigerian citizen, has filed a lawsuit to compel the Senate of Nigeria to constitute a medical panel to determine if President Muhammadu Buhari can discharge his constitutional duties.
In a statement dated June 28, he said he instructed his attorneys from Forthright Chambers and lawyers for Citizens Advocacy of Nigeria to file the action [FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2017] at the Federal High Court in Abuja a few weeks ago.
Citing reports that Nigeria is being controlled by a group of unelected bureaucrats, and that Mr. Buhari is in such incapacitation that even his wife is not allowed to see him, Mr. Dawodu said it was possible that President Buhari is being held by his handlers against his will, and that Nigerians deserve to know his current status and whereabouts.
Affirming his love and respect for President Buhari, and praying fervently for God to give him strength to gain back his health, Mr. Dawodu said: “But I love Nigerian more. I fear for my country, I fear for the future of millions of Nigerians both living and unborn,” adding that hecannot stand by and allow the current leadership vacuum that exists to continue.
He stressed it is now incumbent on the members of the Senate, who were elected, to stand up and be counted to save Nigeria in her hour of need. “I am also urging every Nigerian to impress upon their Senators to discharge their duty by constituting a medical panel as prescribed by the constitution to determine if President Buhari is capable of discharging his duty.”
Toyin Dawodu, a Nigerian citizen, has filed a lawsuit to compel the Senate of Nigeria to constitute a medical panel to determine if Presiden...
It is official as Davido Music Worldwide has finally gone worldwide with the label boss featuring the remix king Robert Kelly better known as R. Kelly on his mega smash hit single “If”.
R. Kelly recently shared a snippet to the remix which keeps fans with the ‘IF’ Doubt about R. Kelly jumping on the smash hit single. Yea dreams comes true and this one is official.
Even though he said he is no longer interested in the whole international market thingy, his talent seems to be bring the international market to him.
He recently was followed by superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo on social media and now he is frolicking with R.Kelly who was the one to release a snippet of the song first.
Listen!
It is official as Davido Music Worldwide has finally gone worldwide with the label boss featuring the remix king Robert Kelly better known a...
Yesterday, Joy Bishara , 20, and Lydia Pogu , 19, who were both able to escape from Boko Haram in 2014, met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The duo and several other girls who escaped moved to the United States to complete school.
Since they moved to America, the girls alongside other girls who escaped the BH den have experienced a new life. Joy and Lydia attended Canyonville Christian Academy and will be starting university very soon.
As they progress in life, they were privileged to visit the White House on June 28 as well as meet with US President Donald Trump, his daughter, Ivanka and the vice president and his wife.
With the help of a Christian NGO and others, they recently graduated from Canyonville Christian Academy and will be attending Southeastern University in Florida in the fall.
Yesterday, Joy Bishara , 20, and Lydia Pogu , 19, who were both able to escape from Boko Haram in 2014, met with US President Donald Trump a...